Baksa Badal (1970)

Director: Nitaynanda Dutta

Screenplay: Satyajit Ray

Starring: Aprana Sen, Soumitra Chatterjee

Strength: Romance, Plot

Duration: 105min

PLOT: Suitcases of Amita and psychiatrist Dr. Pratulya get exchanged when they are travelling from Calcutta to Siliguri. After finding out the mishap, the belongings are sent back with due care by both parties. The chapter of the switched boxes does not end so easily. Pratulya finds that his box of sweets is missing from his suitcase. And Amita finds that someone has carelessly sketched a mustache on the face of her elder brother whose photograph was present in her suitcase. Thus, the story unfolds in an unexpected manner.

REVIEW: Baksa Badal is a romantic-comedy drama of 1970, directed by Nitaynanda Dutta. It is based on a short story by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadya which turns into a two-hour long roll-clicking romance. The movie starts with the exchange of Amita (Aparna) and Pratulya's (Soumitra) luggage when they are travelling. Later we get to see how Pratulya uses his inimitable charisma to arrest Amita's attention and make her fall in love with him. The way they fall in love and the exciting proposal that they use will definitely make the viewers to go back to the 70's and experience the true magic of romance.

Soumitra Chatterjee and Aparna Sen are both prolific actors of the Bengali film industry. Soumitra is a smooth slayer of hearts. He will always be cherished for his versatile acting in different roles. Aparna Sen is, undoubtedly, a powerhouse actress. They have played their characters amazingly and will be remembered forever. The screenplay and music was composed by the one and only Satyajit Ray. This movie is a true handiwork of Ray. Baksa Badal has some joyful elements and a twist of psychology to make the romance enticing. It can take one to the black and white era and make them fall in love with life again. This tidy little gem is a must watch, at least once in a lifetime.

Reviewed by Saqiba Nawshin Junnurine